Commemoration of the Parinirvana of Akong Tulku Rinpoche

We warmly invite you to join us on Sunday, 5 October, for a special screening of the film Akong – A Remarkable Life, held in honour of the Parinirvana of Akong Tulku Rinpoche.

KSDJ Temple, 43 Floss Street, Kensington

+27 62 913 4436

johannesbug@kagyu.org.za

10:30 am: Film Screening: Akong – A Remarkable Life
12:00 pm: Tea  – a chance to share refreshments together after the film. Please bring a plate of vegetarian food to share.
12:30 pm: Chenrezik Puja – concluding the gathering, with all manis dedicated to the Million Mani Project for the swift return of Akong Rinpoche and the long life of Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche.

About the Film

Akong – A Remarkable Life traces the extraordinary journey of Akong Tulku Rinpoche, Tibetan Buddhist master, humanitarian, and co-founder of Samye Ling, the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the West.

Born in Eastern Tibet, Rinpoche was recognised as a tulku at an early age and became abbot of Dolma Lhakang monastery. Political turmoil in 1959 forced him to flee Tibet on a perilous journey across the Himalayas, during which only 13 of 300 companions survived. Near death in a mountain cave, Akong Rinpoche vowed that, if he lived, he would dedicate his life to helping others.

He eventually reached India, where he worked with refugee children and later travelled to Britain with his lifelong friend Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Together, in 1967, they established Samye Ling, which became a flourishing spiritual centre and the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in the West.

Rinpoche’s vision extended far beyond monastic life. He co-founded ROKPA International, a humanitarian organisation that continues his work in Tibet, Nepal, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and elsewhere—providing schools, orphanages, medical care, and food to those most in need. His life was defined by his guiding principle: “Only the impossible is worth doing.”

The film includes moving accounts from those whose lives he touched, revealing how his compassion-in-action inspired thousands of people worldwide.

Although Akong Rinpoche’s life ended tragically in Chengdu, China, on 8 October 2013, his legacy continues to shine as a source of hope and guidance.

RSVP:

KSDJ Temple, 43 Floss Street, Kensington

+27 62 913 4436

johannesbug@kagyu.org.za